Sultanahmet Square

Sultan Ahmed Square, the original Roman Arena. Because of its excellent location, most of the historical sites are near this square, so we walk back and forth several times a day. There are three monuments on the square, and there are shops, tea shops, etc. around it. You can sit on a chair and watch people coming and going.

It is also called Ahmet Square. It is the square in front of the Blue Mosque. There are fountains, obelisks and snake-shaped monuments on the square. It is very recognizable. Many pigeons gather here, looking leisurely.

i was afraid to go there at evening. but its real very safe. much police and security. clean nice fresh. you can sit and enjoy yr view.

[Guide] Star and Moon Tour ·Turkey Travel Guide ④-Constantinople Hippodrome Scenic spot name: Constantinople Hippodrome Address: Sultanahmet Transportation: Sultanahemt Station Tour fee: Free Tour time: About one hour Recommendation reason: The favorite activity of the kings of the Byzantine period was to hold chariot races in the afternoon, and this rectangular hippodrome became an ideal venue. During the most popular period of this sport, the hippodrome was decorated with obelisks and statues, and some ruins are still protected in their original locations today. After being sorted and re-beautified, it has become one of the most popular gathering and walking places in Istanbul.   For a thousand years after its construction, the hippodrome was the center of Byzantine life. In the following 400 years, it was also called the center of Ottoman life and the stage for countless historical events.   ❤The Hippodrome of Constantine in my eyes❤   The perfect combination of the mystery of the East and the dynamism of the West has created a unique city in the world - Istanbul.   The Hippodrome of Constantine seems to be a perfect microcosm of this city. Since the Byzantine period, this has been a place where people gather to watch chariot races and participate in the fierce competition. For thousands of years, it has always been the center of Byzantine life. In the Ottoman era, it remained the same. Kings of all dynasties spared no effort to beautify this place, decorating the central area with sculptures collected from all over the world. Unfortunately, these priceless statues have disappeared, and the culprit is the soldiers of the Crusades. Among these priceless treasures is the bronze four-horse two-wheeled chariot. Today, its replica is placed on the top of the main entrance of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.   The small arena has witnessed the vicissitudes and historical changes of this city and this empire for thousands of years, and has become an area inlaid with multiple civilizations. Just like the temperament of this city, it is elegant and beautiful in this intersection.   ❤Must-check-in highlights❤ 1. Rough stone obelisk The obelisk at the south end of the arena is the most eye-catching landmark here. Although all the decorations have been looted by the Crusaders of the Eastern Expedition and disappeared in the long river of history, the shape of the obelisk has not changed at all, pointing straight to the sky and standing proudly.   2. Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain In 1898, German Emperor Wilhelm II paid a state visit to Turkey and gave this pavilion as a gift to the Sultan at the time in 1901 to highlight the friendship between the two countries. The relief on the dome of the pavilion is a combination of the initials of the Sultan's name and the initials of Wilhelm II, symbolizing their alliance.   3. Obelisk of Theodosius This is made of pink granite. It was completed in Egypt during the reign of Thutmose III and erected in the Temple of Amun in Karnak. It was later brought back to Constantinople from Egypt by Theodosius the Great.

Sultanahmet Square was a horse racetrack in ancient Rome. It is hard to see what it looked like back then. There is an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze serpentine column on the square. The column is made up of three snakes entwined with each other. Unfortunately, only half of it remains. It can be said to be the oldest monument in the Greek era.

Recommended reason: The favorite activity of the kings of the Byzantine period was to hold chariot races in the afternoon, and this rectangular hippodrome became an ideal venue. During the most popular period of this sport, the hippodrome was decorated with obelisks and statues, and some ruins are still preserved in their original locations today. After being sorted and re-beautified, it has become one of the most popular gathering and walking places in Istanbul.   For a thousand years after its construction, the hippodrome was the center of Byzantine life. In the next 400 years, it was also called the center of Ottoman life and the stage for countless historical events.   ❤Constantine Hippodrome in my eyes❤   The mystery of the East and the dynamism of the West, the perfect combination of the two, have created a unique city in the world-Istanbul.   The Constantine Hippodrome seems to be a perfect microcosm of this city. Since the Byzantine period, this place has been a gathering place for people to watch chariot races and participate in the heated competitions. For thousands of years, it has been the center of Byzantine life, and it remained the same in the Ottoman era. Kings of all dynasties spared no effort to beautify this place, decorating the central area with sculptures collected from all over the world. Unfortunately, these priceless statues have disappeared, and the culprit is the soldiers of the Crusades. Among these priceless treasures is the bronze four-horse two-wheeled chariot. Today, its replica is placed on the top of the main entrance of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.   The small arena has witnessed the vicissitudes and historical changes of this city and this empire for thousands of years, and has become an area inlaid with multiple civilizations. Just like the temperament of this city, it is elegant and beautiful in this intersection.   ❤Must-check-in highlights❤ 1. Rough stone obelisk The obelisk at the south end of the arena is the most eye-catching landmark here. Although all the decorations have been looted by the Crusaders and disappeared in the long river of history, the shape of the obelisk has not changed at all, pointing straight to the sky and standing proudly.   2. Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain In 1898, German Emperor Wilhelm II paid a state visit to Turkey and gave this pavilion as a gift to the then Sultan in 1901 to show the friendship between the two countries. The relief on the dome of the pavilion is a combination of the initials of the Sultan's name and the initials of Wilhelm II, symbolizing their alliance.   3. Theodosius Obelisk This is made of pink granite. It was completed in Egypt during the reign of Thutmose III and erected in the Temple of Amun in Karnak. It was later brought back to Constantinople from Egypt by Theodosius the Great.

The Hippodrome is right here at the Hagia Sophia. The attraction itself is ordinary, but it is of historical significance. This was once a Roman arena, used for horse racing and chariot races. During the reign of Justinian the Great, a chariot race triggered a riot to overthrow Justinian's rule and establish a new emperor. The famous general Belisarius led his army to massacre 30,000 people here before suppressing the riot. Justinian therefore claimed that his kingship was divinely granted, and then rebuilt the Hagia Sophia here. There is nothing to see at the Hippodrome now except the Serpent Column and the Obelisk. It is just a check-in attraction.